Gasp! This insanely beautiful glazed stoneware / porcelain installation is the work of Los Angeles based artist Courtney Mattison. It’s titled “Confluence (Our Changing Seas V)” and has just become part of the permanent collection of the US Embassy, Jakarta, Indonesia, Art in Embassies, US Department of State. Here is part of Courtney’s powerful artist statement:

“Like cities, coral reefs pulse in a frenzy of activity. Residents of these diverse habitats find food, shelter and mates within their structures. Weary travelers find respite in their outcroppings—oases from the open sea. From the tiniest snapping shrimp to the largest whale shark, coral reefs are sanctuaries for life’s exuberance. In reefs as in cities, each individual plays a role that can affect how the ecosystem functions. The key to success is finding harmony in heterogeneity—unity in diversity. Yet today, reefs face unprecedented threats from human impacts. ‘Confluence (Our Changing Seas V)’ pays homage to Indonesia’s coral reefs and the value they provide to Indonesians and the world while highlighting the threat of climate change and coral bleaching. I hope that the idea of creating such a monumental, intricately hand-detailed ceramic sculptural installation inspires a sense of excitement in viewers about the connections we share to coral reefs while empowering individuals and policymakers to act to conserve.”

Bravo!

{Images by Amanda Brooks for Art in Embassies}